Rule 3.101. Garnishment After Judgment
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Michigan Court Rules › Special Proceedings and Actions › Michigan Court Rules › CH3 › MCR 3.101
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(A) Definitions. In this rule,
(1) “plaintiff” refers to any judgment creditor,
(2) “defendant” refers to any judgment debtor,
(3) “garnishee” refers to the garnishee defendant,
(4) “periodic payments” includes but is not limited to, wages, salary, commissions,
bonuses, and other income paid to the defendant during the period of the writ; land
contract payments; rent; and other periodic debt or contract payments. Interest
payments and other payments listed in MCL 600.4012(14)(a)-(d) are not periodic
payments.
(B) Postjudgment Garnishments.
(1) Periodic garnishments are garnishments of periodic payments, as provided in this
rule.
(a) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, a writ of periodic garnishment served on
a garnishee who is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant is
effective until the first to occur of the following events:
(i)
the amount withheld pursuant to the writ equals the amount of the unpaid
judgment, interest, and costs stated in the verified statement in support of
the writ; however, if the plaintiff has sent a statement to the garnishee in
accordance with MCL 600.4012(5)(a), the balance on which may include
additional interest and costs, the periodic garnishment is effective until the
balance on the most recent statement is withheld or
(ii) the plaintiff files and serves on the defendant and the garnishee a notice
that the amount withheld exceeds the remaining unpaid judgment, interest,
and costs, or that the judgment has otherwise been satisfied.
(b) The plaintiff may not obtain the issuance of a second writ of garnishment on a
garnishee who is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant while a
prior writ served on that garnishee remains in effect relating to the same
judgment.
hee a notice
that the amount withheld exceeds the remaining unpaid judgment, interest,
and costs, or that the judgment has otherwise been satisfied.
(b) The plaintiff may not obtain the issuance of a second writ of garnishment on a
garnishee who is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant while a
prior writ served on that garnishee remains in effect relating to the same
judgment.
(c) If a writ of periodic garnishment is served on a garnishee who is obligated to
make periodic payments to the defendant while another order that has priority
under MCL 600.4012(2) is in effect, or if a writ or order with higher priority is
served on the garnishee while another writ is in effect, the garnishee is not
obligated to withhold payments pursuant to the lower priority writ until the
higher priority writ ceases to be effective under subrule (B)(1)(a). However, in
the case of garnishment of earnings, the garnishee shall withhold pursuant to
the lower priority writ to the extent that the amount being withheld pursuant to
the higher priority order is less than the maximum that could be withheld by law
pursuant to the lower priority writ (see, e.g., 15 USC 1673). Upon the
expiration of the higher priority writ, the lower priority one becomes effective
until it ceases to be effective under subrule (B)(1)(a). The garnishee shall notify
the plaintiff of receipt of any higher priority writ or order and provide the
information required by subrule (H)(2)(c).
maximum that could be withheld by law
pursuant to the lower priority writ (see, e.g., 15 USC 1673). Upon the
expiration of the higher priority writ, the lower priority one becomes effective
until it ceases to be effective under subrule (B)(1)(a). The garnishee shall notify
the plaintiff of receipt of any higher priority writ or order and provide the
information required by subrule (H)(2)(c).
(2) Nonperiodic garnishments are garnishments of property or obligations other than
periodic payments.
(C) Forms. The State Court Administrative Office shall publish approved forms for use in
garnishment proceedings. The verified request and writ forms and the garnishment
release form approved by the State Court Administrative Office must be used. Where e-
Filing is implemented, when a request and writ form is filed with a court, the instructions
and blank proof of service must not be filed. The disclosure filed in garnishment
proceedings must be substantially in the form approved by the State Court
Administrative Office.
(D) Request for and Issuance of Writ. The clerk of the court that entered the judgment shall
review the request. The clerk shall issue a writ of garnishment if the writ appears to be
correct, complies with these rules and the Michigan statutes, and if the plaintiff, or
someone on the plaintiff's behalf, makes and files a statement verified in the manner
provided in MCR 1.109(D)(3) stating:
(1) that a judgment has been entered against the defendant and remains unsatisfied;
(2) the amount of the judgment; the total amount of the postjudgment interest accrued to
date; the total amount of the postjudgment costs accrued to date, which may include
the costs associated with filing the current writ of garnishment; the total amount of
the postjudgment payments made to date, and the amount of the unsatisfied
judgment now due (including interest and costs), which may include the costs
associated with filing the current writ of garnishment;
nterest accrued to
date; the total amount of the postjudgment costs accrued to date, which may include
the costs associated with filing the current writ of garnishment; the total amount of
the postjudgment payments made to date, and the amount of the unsatisfied
judgment now due (including interest and costs), which may include the costs
associated with filing the current writ of garnishment;
(3) that the person signing the verified statement knows or has good reason to believe
that
(a) a named person has control of property belonging to the defendant,
(b) a named person is indebted to the defendant, or
(c) a named person is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant.
(4) whether the garnishee is to make all payments directly to the plaintiff or the
plaintiff's attorney or to send the funds to the court.
(E) Writ of Garnishment.
(1) The writ of garnishment and the verified request for issuance of the writ must be
included on the same form. The writ must include information that will permit the
garnishee to identify the defendant, such as the defendant's address, social security
number, employee identification number, federal tax identification number,
employer number, or account number, if known.
(2) Upon issuance of the writ, it shall be served upon the garnishee as provided in
subrule (F)(1). The writ shall include the date on which it was issued and the last
day by which it must be served to be valid, which is 182 days after it was issued.
(3) The writ shall direct the garnishee to:
(a) serve a copy of the writ on the defendant as provided in subrule (F)(2);
(b) within 14 days after the service of the writ, file with the court clerk a verified
disclosure indicating the garnishee's liability (as specified in subrule [G][1]) to
the defendant and mail or deliver a copy to the plaintiff and the defendant;
(c) deliver no tangible or intangible property to the defendant, unless allowed by
statute or court rule;
he defendant as provided in subrule (F)(2);
(b) within 14 days after the service of the writ, file with the court clerk a verified
disclosure indicating the garnishee's liability (as specified in subrule [G][1]) to
the defendant and mail or deliver a copy to the plaintiff and the defendant;
(c) deliver no tangible or intangible property to the defendant, unless allowed by
statute or court rule;
(d) pay no obligation to the defendant, unless allowed by statute or court rule; and
(e) in accordance with subrule (J), either make all payments directly to the plaintiff
or the plaintiff’s attorney or send the funds to the court, as specified by the
plaintiff in the request under subrule (D)(4).
(4) The writ shall direct the defendant to refrain from disposing of
(a) any negotiable instrument representing a debt of the garnishee (except the
earnings of the defendant), or
(b) any negotiable instrument of title representing property in which the defendant
claims an interest held in the possession or control of the garnishee.
(5) The writ shall inform the defendant that unless the defendant files objections within
14 days after the service of the writ on the defendant or as otherwise provided under
MCL 600.4012,
(a) without further notice the property or debt held under the garnishment may be
applied to the satisfaction of the plaintiff's judgment, and
(b) periodic payments due to the defendant may be withheld and paid according to
subrule (3)(e) until the judgment is satisfied.
(6) The writ shall direct the plaintiff to serve the garnishee as provided in subrule (F)(1),
and to file a proof of service.
(F) Service of Writ.
(1) The plaintiff shall serve the writ of garnishment, a copy of the writ for the
defendant, the disclosure form, and any applicable fees, on the garnishee within 182
days after the date the writ was issued in the manner provided for the service of a
summons and complaint in MCR 2.105, except that service upon the state treasurer
may be made in the manner provided under subrule (3).
e of Writ.
(1) The plaintiff shall serve the writ of garnishment, a copy of the writ for the
defendant, the disclosure form, and any applicable fees, on the garnishee within 182
days after the date the writ was issued in the manner provided for the service of a
summons and complaint in MCR 2.105, except that service upon the state treasurer
may be made in the manner provided under subrule (3).
(2) The garnishee shall within 7 days after being served with the writ deliver a copy of
the writ to the defendant or mail a copy to the defendant at the defendant's last
known address by first class mail.
(3) Unless service is subject to electronic filing under MCR 1.109(G), service upon the
state treasurer or any designated employee may be completed electronically in a
manner provided under guidelines established by the state treasurer. Guidelines
established under this subsection shall be published on the department of treasury’s
website and shall identify, at a minimum, each acceptable method of electronic
service, the requirements necessary to complete service, and the address or location
for each acceptable method of service. For purposes of this subsection:
(i)
Electronic service authorized under the guidelines shall include magnetic
media, e-mail, and any other method permitted at the discretion of the state
treasurer.
(ii) Service in the manner provided under this subsection shall be treated as
completed as of the date and time submitted by the plaintiff, except that
any submission made on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday shall be
deemed to be served on the next business day.
(G) Liability of Garnishee.
(1) Subject to the provisions of the garnishment statute and any setoff permitted by law
or these rules, the garnishee is liable for
ed under this subsection shall be treated as
completed as of the date and time submitted by the plaintiff, except that
any submission made on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday shall be
deemed to be served on the next business day.
(G) Liability of Garnishee.
(1) Subject to the provisions of the garnishment statute and any setoff permitted by law
or these rules, the garnishee is liable for
(a) all tangible or intangible property belonging to the defendant in the garnishee's
possession or control when the writ is served on the garnishee, unless the
property is represented by a negotiable document of title held by a bona fide
purchaser for value other than the defendant;
(b) all negotiable documents of title and all goods represented by negotiable
documents of title belonging to the defendant if the documents of title are in the
garnishee's possession when the writ is served on the garnishee;
(c) all corporate share certificates belonging to the defendant in the garnishee's
possession or control when the writ is served on the garnishee;
(d) all debts, whether or not due, owing by the garnishee to the defendant when the
writ is served on the garnishee, except for debts evidenced by negotiable
instruments or representing the earnings of the defendant;
(e) all debts owing by the garnishee evidenced by negotiable instruments held or
owned by the defendant when the writ of garnishment is served on the
defendant, as long as the instruments are brought before the court before their
negotiation to a bona fide purchaser for value;
(f)
the portion of the defendant's earnings that are not protected from garnishment
by law (see, e.g., 15 USC 1673) as provided in subrule (B);
(g) all judgments in favor of the defendant against the garnishee in force when the
writ is served on the garnishee;
on the
defendant, as long as the instruments are brought before the court before their
negotiation to a bona fide purchaser for value;
(f)
the portion of the defendant's earnings that are not protected from garnishment
by law (see, e.g., 15 USC 1673) as provided in subrule (B);
(g) all judgments in favor of the defendant against the garnishee in force when the
writ is served on the garnishee;
(h) all tangible or intangible property of the defendant that, when the writ is served
on the garnishee, the garnishee holds by conveyance, transfer, or title that is
void as to creditors of the defendant, whether or not the defendant could
maintain an action against the garnishee to recover the property; and
(i)
the value of all tangible or intangible property of the defendant that, before the
writ is served on the garnishee, the garnishee received or held by conveyance,
transfer, or title that was void as to creditors of the defendant, but that the
garnishee no longer held at the time the writ was served, whether or not the
defendant could maintain an action against the garnishee for the value of the
property.
(2) The garnishee is liable for no more than the amount of the unpaid judgment, interest,
and costs as stated in the verified statement requesting the writ of garnishment
unless a statement is sent to the garnishee in accordance with MCL 600.4012(5)(a),
in which case the garnishee is liable for the amount of the remaining judgment
balance as provided in the most recent statement. Property or debts exceeding that
amount may be delivered or paid to the defendant notwithstanding the garnishment.
(H) Disclosure. The garnishee shall file with the court and deliver to the plaintiff and
defendant, a verified disclosure within 14 days after being served with the writ.
(1) Nonperiodic Garnishments.
ount of the remaining judgment
balance as provided in the most recent statement. Property or debts exceeding that
amount may be delivered or paid to the defendant notwithstanding the garnishment.
(H) Disclosure. The garnishee shall file with the court and deliver to the plaintiff and
defendant, a verified disclosure within 14 days after being served with the writ.
(1) Nonperiodic Garnishments.
(a) If indebted to the defendant, the garnishee shall file a disclosure revealing the
garnishee's liability to the defendant as specified in subrule (G)(1) and claiming
any setoff that the garnishee would have against the defendant, except for
claims for unliquidated damages for wrongs or injuries.
(b) If not indebted to the defendant, the garnishee shall file a disclosure so
indicating.
(c) If the garnishee is indebted to the defendant, but claims that withholding is
exempt under MCR 3.101(I)(6), the garnishee shall indicate on the disclosure
the specific exemption. If the garnishee is indebted, but claims that withholding
is exempt for some reason other than those set forth in MCR 3.101(I)(6), the
garnishee shall indicate on the disclosure the basis for its claim of exemption
and cite the legal authority for the exemption.
(2) Periodic Garnishments.
(a) If not obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant, the disclosure shall
so indicate, and the garnishment shall be considered to have expired.
(b) If obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant, the disclosure shall
indicate the nature and frequency of the garnishee's obligation. The information
must be disclosed even if money is not owing at the time of the service of the
writ.
not obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant, the disclosure shall
so indicate, and the garnishment shall be considered to have expired.
(b) If obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant, the disclosure shall
indicate the nature and frequency of the garnishee's obligation. The information
must be disclosed even if money is not owing at the time of the service of the
writ.
(c) If a writ or order with a higher priority is in effect, in the disclosure the
garnishee shall specify the court that issued the writ or order, the file number of
the case in which it was issued, the date it was issued, and the date it was
served.
(I)
Withholding. This subrule applies only if the garnishee is indebted to or obligated to
make periodic payments to the defendant.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subrule, the writ shall be effective as to
obligations owed and property held by the garnishee as of the time the writ is served
on the garnishee.
(2) In the case of periodic earnings, withholding shall commence according to the
following provisions:
(a) For garnishees with weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly pay periods,
withholding shall commence with the first full pay period after the writ was
served.
(b) For garnishees with monthly pay periods, if the writ is served on the garnishee
within the first 14 days of the pay period, withholding shall commence on the
date the writ is served. If the writ is served on the garnishee on or after the 15th
day of the pay period, withholding shall commence the first full pay period after
the writ was served.
(3) In the case of periodic earnings, withholding shall cease when the periodic
garnishment becomes no longer effective under subrule (B)(1).
(4) At the time that a periodic payment is withheld, the garnishee shall provide the
following information to the plaintiff and defendant:
(a) the name of the parties;
(b) the case number;
(c) the date and amount withheld;
riod after
the writ was served.
(3) In the case of periodic earnings, withholding shall cease when the periodic
garnishment becomes no longer effective under subrule (B)(1).
(4) At the time that a periodic payment is withheld, the garnishee shall provide the
following information to the plaintiff and defendant:
(a) the name of the parties;
(b) the case number;
(c) the date and amount withheld;
(d) the balance due on the writ.
The information shall also be provided to the court if funds are sent to the court.
(5) If funds have not been withheld because a higher priority writ or order was in effect,
and the higher priority writ ceases to be effective before the lower priority writ
ceases to be effective, the garnishee shall begin withholding pursuant to the lower
priority writ as of the date that the higher priority writ ceases to be effective.
(6) A bank or other financial institution, as garnishee, shall not withhold exempt funds
of the debtor from an account into which only exempt funds are directly deposited
and where such funds are clearly identifiable upon deposit as exempt Social
Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits, Railroad Retirement
benefits, Black Lung benefits, or Veterans Assistance benefits.
(J) Payment.
(1) After 28 days from the date of the service of the writ on the garnishee, the garnishee
shall transmit all withheld funds to the plaintiff, plaintiff’s attorney, or the court as
directed by the court pursuant to subrule (E)(3)(e) unless notified that objections
have been filed.
(2) For periodic garnishments, all future payments shall be paid as they become due as
directed by the court pursuant to subrule (E)(3)(e) until the garnishment ceases to be
effective under subrule (B)(1).
(3) Upon receipt of proceeds from the writ, the court shall forward such proceeds to the
plaintiff.
y the court pursuant to subrule (E)(3)(e) unless notified that objections
have been filed.
(2) For periodic garnishments, all future payments shall be paid as they become due as
directed by the court pursuant to subrule (E)(3)(e) until the garnishment ceases to be
effective under subrule (B)(1).
(3) Upon receipt of proceeds from the writ, the court shall forward such proceeds to the
plaintiff.
(4) Payment to the plaintiff may not exceed the amount of the unpaid judgment,
interest, and costs stated in the verified statement requesting the writ of
garnishment; however, if the plaintiff has sent a statement to the garnishee in
accordance with MCL 600.4012(5)(a), the balance on which may include additional
interest and costs, the garnishee shall pay to the plaintiff the amount provided in the
most recent statement.
(5) In the case of earnings, the garnishee shall maintain a record of all payment
calculations and shall make such information available for review by the plaintiff,
the defendant, or the court, upon request.
(6) For periodic garnishments, within 14 days after the writ ceases to be effective under
subrule (B)(1) or after the garnishee is no longer obligated to make periodic
payments, the garnishee shall file with the court and mail or deliver to the plaintiff
and the defendant, a final statement of the total amount paid on the writ. If the
garnishee is the defendant's employer, the statement is to be filed within 14 days
after the writ cease to be effective, regardless of changes in employment status
during the time that the writ was in effect. The statement shall include the following
information:
(a) the names of the parties and the court in which the case is pending;
(b) the case number;
(c) the date of the statement;
If the
garnishee is the defendant's employer, the statement is to be filed within 14 days
after the writ cease to be effective, regardless of changes in employment status
during the time that the writ was in effect. The statement shall include the following
information:
(a) the names of the parties and the court in which the case is pending;
(b) the case number;
(c) the date of the statement;
(d) the total amount withheld.
(7) If the disclosure states that the garnishee holds property other than money belonging
to the defendant, the plaintiff must proceed by motion (with notice to the defendant
and the garnishee) to seek an appropriate order regarding application of the property
to satisfaction of the judgment. If there are no pending objections to the
garnishment, and the plaintiff has not filed such a motion within 56 days after the
filing of the disclosure, the garnishment is dissolved and the garnishee may release
the property to the defendant.
(K) Objections.
(1) Objections shall be filed with the court within 14 days of the date of service of the
writ on the defendant or within 14 days of the date of the most recent statement sent
to the defendant pursuant to MCL 600.4012(5)(a). Objections may be filed after the
time provided in this subrule but do not suspend payment pursuant to subrule (J)
unless ordered by the court. Objections may only be based on defects in or the
invalidity of the garnishment proceeding itself or the balance provided on the
statement sent pursuant to MCL 600.4012(5)(a), and may not be used to challenge
the validity of the judgment previously entered.
(2) Objections shall be based on one or more of the following:
(a) the funds or property are exempt from garnishment by law;
(b) garnishment is precluded by the pendency of bankruptcy proceedings;
(c) garnishment is barred by an installment payment order;
(d) garnishment is precluded because the maximum amount permitted by law is
being withheld pursuant to a higher priority garnishment or order;
(2) Objections shall be based on one or more of the following:
(a) the funds or property are exempt from garnishment by law;
(b) garnishment is precluded by the pendency of bankruptcy proceedings;
(c) garnishment is barred by an installment payment order;
(d) garnishment is precluded because the maximum amount permitted by law is
being withheld pursuant to a higher priority garnishment or order;
(e) the judgment has been paid;
(f)
the garnishment was not properly issued or is otherwise invalid;
(g) the balance on the statement sent pursuant to MCL 600.4012(5)(a) is incorrect.
(3) Within 7 days of the filing of objections, notice of the date of hearing on the
objections shall be sent to the plaintiff, the defendant, and the garnishee. The
hearing date shall be within 21 days of the date the objections are filed. In district
court, notice shall be sent by the court. In circuit and probate court, notice shall be
sent by the objecting party.
(4) The court shall notify the plaintiff, the defendant, and the garnishee of the court's
decision.
(L) Steps After Disclosure; Third Parties; Interpleader; Discovery.
(1) Within 14 days after service of the disclosure, the plaintiff may serve the garnishee
with written interrogatories or notice the deposition of the garnishee. The answers to
the interrogatories or the deposition testimony becomes part of the disclosure.
(2) If the garnishee’s disclosure declares that a named person other than the defendant
and the plaintiff claims all or part of the disclosed indebtedness or property, the
court may order that the claimant be added as a defendant in the garnishment action
under MCR 2.207. The garnishee may proceed under MCR 3.603 as in interpleader
actions, and other claimants may move to intervene under MCR 2.209.
(3) The discovery rules apply to garnishment proceedings.
other than the defendant
and the plaintiff claims all or part of the disclosed indebtedness or property, the
court may order that the claimant be added as a defendant in the garnishment action
under MCR 2.207. The garnishee may proceed under MCR 3.603 as in interpleader
actions, and other claimants may move to intervene under MCR 2.209.
(3) The discovery rules apply to garnishment proceedings.
(4) The filing of a disclosure, the filing of answers to interrogatories, or the personal
appearance by or on behalf of the garnishee at a deposition does not waive the
garnishee's right to question the court's jurisdiction, the validity of the proceeding,
or the plaintiff's right to judgment.
(M) Determination of Garnishee’s Liability.
(1) If there is a dispute regarding the garnishee's liability or if another person claims an
interest in the garnishee's property or obligation, the issue shall be tried in the same
manner as other civil actions.
(2) The verified statement acts as the plaintiff's complaint against the garnishee, and the
disclosure serves as the answer. The facts stated in the disclosure must be accepted
as true unless the plaintiff has served interrogatories or noticed a deposition within
the time allowed by subrule (L)(1) or another party has filed a pleading or motion
denying the accuracy of the disclosure. Except as the facts stated in the verified
statement are admitted by the disclosure, they are denied. Admissions have the
effect of admissions in responsive pleadings. The defendant and other claimants
added under subrule (L)(2) may plead their claims and defenses as in other civil
actions. The garnishee's liability to the plaintiff shall be tried on the issues thus
framed.
(3) Even if the amount of the garnishee's liability is disputed, the plaintiff may move for
judgment against the garnishee to the extent of the admissions in the disclosure. The
general motion practice rules govern notice (including notice to the garnishee and
the defendant) and hearing on the motion.
actions. The garnishee's liability to the plaintiff shall be tried on the issues thus
framed.
(3) Even if the amount of the garnishee's liability is disputed, the plaintiff may move for
judgment against the garnishee to the extent of the admissions in the disclosure. The
general motion practice rules govern notice (including notice to the garnishee and
the defendant) and hearing on the motion.
(4) The issues between the plaintiff and the garnishee will be tried by the court unless a
party files a demand for a jury trial within 7 days after the filing of the disclosure,
answers to interrogatories, or deposition transcript, whichever is filed last. The
defendant or a third party waives any right to a jury trial unless a demand for a jury
is filed with the pleading stating the claim.
(5) On the trial of the garnishee's liability, the plaintiff may offer the record of the
garnishment proceeding and other evidence. The garnishee may offer evidence not
controverting the disclosure, or in the discretion of the court, may show error or
mistakes in the disclosure.
(6) If the court determines that the garnishee is indebted to the defendant, but the time
for payment has not arrived, a judgment may not be entered until after the time of
maturity stated in the verdict or finding.
(N) Orders for Installment Payments.
(1) An order for installment payments under MCL 600.6201 et seq. suspends the
effectiveness of a writ of garnishment of periodic payments for work and labor
performed by the defendant from the time the order is served on the garnishee. An
order for installment payments does not suspend the effectiveness of a writ of
garnishment of nonperiodic payments or of an income tax refund or credit.
(2) If an order terminating the installment payment order is entered and served on the
garnishee, the writ again becomes effective and retains its priority and remains in
force as if the installment payment order had never been entered.
(O) Judgment and Execution.
payments does not suspend the effectiveness of a writ of
garnishment of nonperiodic payments or of an income tax refund or credit.
(2) If an order terminating the installment payment order is entered and served on the
garnishee, the writ again becomes effective and retains its priority and remains in
force as if the installment payment order had never been entered.
(O) Judgment and Execution.
(1) Judgment may be entered against the garnishee for the payment of money or the
delivery of specific property as the facts warrant. A money judgment against the
garnishee may not be entered in an amount greater than the amount of the unpaid
judgment, interest, and costs as stated in the verified statement requesting the writ of
garnishment. Judgment for specific property may be enforced only to the extent
necessary to satisfy the judgment against the defendant.
(2) The judgment against the garnishee discharges the garnishee from all demands by
the defendant for the money paid or property delivered in satisfaction of the
judgment. If the garnishee is sued by the defendant for anything done under the
provisions of these garnishment rules, the garnishee may introduce as evidence the
judgment and the satisfaction.
(3) If the garnishee is chargeable for specific property that the garnishee holds for or is
bound to deliver to the defendant, judgment may be entered and execution issued
against the interest of the defendant in the property for no more than is necessary to
satisfy the judgment against the defendant. The garnishee must deliver the property
to the officer serving the execution, who shall sell, apply, and account as in other
executions.
fic property that the garnishee holds for or is
bound to deliver to the defendant, judgment may be entered and execution issued
against the interest of the defendant in the property for no more than is necessary to
satisfy the judgment against the defendant. The garnishee must deliver the property
to the officer serving the execution, who shall sell, apply, and account as in other
executions.
(4) If the garnishee is found to be under contract for the delivery of specific property to
the defendant, judgment may be entered and execution issued against the interest of
the defendant in the property for no more than is necessary to satisfy the judgment
against the defendant. The garnishee must deliver the property to the officer serving
the execution according to the terms of the contract. The officer shall sell, apply, and
account as in ordinary execution.
(5) If the garnishee is chargeable for specific property and refuses to expose it so that
execution may be levied on it, the court may order the garnishee to show cause why
general execution should not issue against the garnishee. Unless sufficient cause is
shown to the contrary, the court may order that an execution be issued against the
garnishee in an amount not to exceed twice the value of the specifically chargeable
property.
(6) The court may issue execution against the defendant for the full amount due the
plaintiff on the judgment against the defendant. Execution against the garnishee may
not be ordered by separate writ, but must always be ordered by endorsement on or
by incorporation within the writ of execution against the defendant. The court may
order additional execution to satisfy the plaintiff's judgment as justice requires.
sue execution against the defendant for the full amount due the
plaintiff on the judgment against the defendant. Execution against the garnishee may
not be ordered by separate writ, but must always be ordered by endorsement on or
by incorporation within the writ of execution against the defendant. The court may
order additional execution to satisfy the plaintiff's judgment as justice requires.
(7) Satisfaction of all or part of the judgment against the garnishee constitutes
satisfaction of a judgment to the same extent against the defendant.
(P) Appeals. A judgment or order in a garnishment proceeding may be set aside or appealed
in the same manner and with the same effect as judgments or orders in other civil
actions.
(Q) Receivership.
(1) If on disclosure or trial of a garnishee's liability, it appears that when the writ was
served the garnishee possessed,
(a) a written promise for the payment of money or the delivery of property
belonging to the defendant, or
(b) personal property belonging to the defendant, the court may order the garnishee
to deliver it to a person appointed as receiver.
(2) The receiver must
(a) collect the written promise for payment of money or for the delivery of property
and apply the proceeds on any judgment in favor of the plaintiff against the
garnishee and pay any surplus to the garnishee, and
(b) dispose of the property in an amount greater than any encumbrance on it can be
obtained, and after paying the amount of the encumbrance, apply the balance to
the plaintiff's judgment against the garnishee and pay any surplus to the
garnishee.
(3) If the garnishee refuses to comply with the delivery order, the garnishee is liable for
the amount of the written promise for the payment of money, the value of the
promise for the delivery of property, or the value of the defendant’s interest in the
encumbered personal property. The facts of the refusal and the valuation must be
included in the receiver's report to the court.
garnishee.
(3) If the garnishee refuses to comply with the delivery order, the garnishee is liable for
the amount of the written promise for the payment of money, the value of the
promise for the delivery of property, or the value of the defendant’s interest in the
encumbered personal property. The facts of the refusal and the valuation must be
included in the receiver's report to the court.
(4) The receiver shall report all actions pertaining to the promise or property to the
court. The report must include a description and valuation of any property, with the
valuation to be ascertained by appraisal on oath or in a manner the court may direct.
(R) Costs and Fees.
(1) Costs and fees are as provided by law or these rules.
(2) Within 28 days after receipt of the disclosure filed pursuant to subrule (H) by a
garnishee of a periodic garnishment disclosing that it does not employ the defendant
and is not otherwise liable for periodic payments, or from a garnishee of a
nonperiodic garnishment disclosing that it does not hold property subject to
garnishment and the defendant is not indebted to the garnishee, the plaintiff shall
deduct any costs associated with that garnishment that may have been added to the
judgment balance pursuant to MCR 2.625(L), unless the court otherwise directs.
(S) Failure to Disclose or to Do Other Acts; Default; Contempt.
(1) For garnishments filed under MCR 3.101(B)(2) (nonperiodic):
(a) If the garnishee fails to disclose or do a required act within the time limit
imposed, a default may be taken as in other civil actions. A default judgment
against a garnishee may not exceed the amount of the garnishee's liability as
provided in subrule (G)(2).
ts.
(S) Failure to Disclose or to Do Other Acts; Default; Contempt.
(1) For garnishments filed under MCR 3.101(B)(2) (nonperiodic):
(a) If the garnishee fails to disclose or do a required act within the time limit
imposed, a default may be taken as in other civil actions. A default judgment
against a garnishee may not exceed the amount of the garnishee's liability as
provided in subrule (G)(2).
(b) If the garnishee fails to comply with the court order, the garnishee may be
adjudged in contempt of court.
(2) For garnishments filed under MCR 3.101(B)(1) (periodic):
MCL 600.4012 (6)-(10) governs default, default judgments, and motions to set aside
default judgments for periodic garnishments.
(3) The court may impose costs on a garnishee whose default or contempt results in
expense to other parties. Costs imposed shall include reasonable attorney fees and
shall not be less than $100.
(4) This rule shall not apply to nonperiodic garnishments filed for an income tax refund
or credit.
(T) Judicial Discretion. On motion the court may by order extend the time for:
(1) the garnishee’s disclosure;
(2) the plaintiff’s filing of written interrogatories;
(3) the plaintiff’s filing of a demand for oral examination of the garnishee;
(4) the garnishee’s answer to written interrogatories;
(5) the garnishee’s appearance for oral examination; and
(6) the demand for jury trial.
The order must be filed with the court and served on the other parties.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.